Throughout the winter, record-breaking crowds flocked to the Second Saturday Artwalk in Bay St. Louis, undeterred by often-chilling temperatures or rain. As the Spring season of Artwalk series kicks off today, Saturday, March 8, event organizers expect attendance figures to rise even further as balmy coast weather makes strolling through the historic streets of Old Town irresistible.
The March celebration coincides with the return of the “Soup’er Mudfest,” an event that’s become a favorite Old Town tradition. More than a dozen local potters craft unique bowls that are sold at a booth at the corner of Main and Second Streets, beginning at 4 p.m. For the rest of the evening, free samples of specialty soups will be served into those bowls by 18 participating merchants.
Bowls usually sell out within the first hour, so organizers advise arriving both hungry and early! Proceeds from “Soup’er Mudfest” go to support the Hancock County Food Pantry, Hancock County Tourism and the Old Town Merchants Association.
In addition to “Soup’er Mudfest,” the traditional “Hot Spot” spotlight falls this month on That Souvenir Place at 207 Main Street. Located in a quaint historic cottage, the shop itself is built on an Old Town business legacy.
Owner Tina Aime Falgout was born and raised in Bay St. Louis and is following in the footsteps of relatives who owned and operated Bobby Ann Bakery, a local favorite for decades in the 1900’s.
Falgout has already made her own mark as one of the town’s favorite businesses, judging by the ranks of youngsters who line up for New Orleans style Sno-Balls and other treats during warm weather months.
In addition to the family-favorite Sno-Balls, Falgout also serves up real soft serve ice cream, old fashioned malts (“it’s all in the ice cream you use!”), shakes, smoothies and floats.
One specialty is the “Bay Blizz,” a build-your-own combination of Sno-Ball, ice cream and candy. Dozens of photos cover a board by the counter, showing the delighted faces of Falgout’s customers – both young and old.
That Souvenir Place also lives up to its name by carrying lines of “made in the Bay” products, ranging from gifts, local artwork, pottery and home décor. Falgout brings over thirty years of retail experience to her business from restaurant management to executive positions that she served in thru out her career in the gaming industry
Her face lights up when she talks about creating a fun tradition for new generations of local families.
“A trip to Old Town for a Sno-Ball, it’s a definite memory-maker,” says Falgout. “And I love serving the children. You see those grins and it just makes your day.”
That Souvenir Place’s spring hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Elsewhere for Second Saturday, Joanna N. Slay will be the featured artist at Gallery 220 for Second Saturday. Her latest work in mosaics will be shown as well as the creations made earlier in the day by students during a mosaic workshop. Participants were given a 10" square wooden framed mirror and all necessary materials to make their own mosaic mirror.
This will be the first opportunity for many of them to show their work in a gallery setting.
Gallery 220 is located in the historic art deco building on the corner of Toulme and Main Street in Old Town Bay St. Louis. As always, the many artists of this co-op gallery will be serving good food and drink to accompany their selection of fine art and incredible crafts.
For complete details on the March Second Saturday, go to www.baystlouisoldtown.com.